IT could have been a scene from the film The Mask of Zorro -- the sound of swords clashing, faces hidden behind masks and the perfectly-rehearsed fighting technique.

But in reality the setting was Bolton Arena and the 250 budding Antonio Banderas' were teenagers competing in the second International Manchester Cadet Fencing Tournament.

The competition was one of only a handful of national competitions for fencers under the age of 17 in England. The one-day event allowed youngsters from Bolton to compete against some of the top performers from across the country and Europe.

Kitted out in traditional white fencing outfits, complete with rubber shoes, masks and their choice of weapon -- foil, sabre or epee -- the contestants took to the floor of the Middlebrook venue for the fighting to begin.

Split into six groups, sorted by gender and weapon choice, all competitors took part in two heats, consisting of a series of three-minute fights, before the top eight from each group went through to final.

Following a series of nail-biting finals held in the Sports Educational Theatre, the six group winners and the runners up were presented with their medals and trophies

As part of the event, a demonstration of fencing skills and techniques was performed by a group of 12 local youngsters, aged between eight and 12.

Organiser Natalia Gyuricska said: "There is no real role model for youngsters interested in starting up fencing so it's important to hold events like this to encourage others to take part.

"It also helps raise the standards of the youngsters in this country to a similar level with those of under 17s in other European countries."

At 10 years old, St Joseph's Primary School pupil Patrick Jennings, from Smithills, was one of the youngest competitors at the event.

He said: "I started three years ago because my older brother did it, but he has stopped now and I still do it. I like events like this because I get the chance to play with older, more experienced fencers."

Jessica Varey, aged 15, from Morris Green, Bolton, has been fencing for four years. She said: "I know lots of girls who do it, probably as many as boys.

"Fencing is great fun, there can be quite a bit of travelling involved for competitions and you make loads of friends through it."

Hamish Stilley, aged 50, travelled from Edinburgh with his 14-year-old daughter Harriet, who came third in the girls' sabre category last year.

He said: "This event is always very well organised and the venue is ideal because it is so accessible.

"Harriet loves fencing, but there aren't many competitions for her age-group in this country. She's going to Hungry next year, where the sport is very popular."